By Bob Katzen
The House gave initial approval to legislation that would promote urban agriculture and horticulture by allowing Gateway cities as well as cities and towns, with populations of more than 50,000, to exempt from property taxes any land of two acres or less that is used for commercial urban agriculture and horticulture. Additionally, the parcel must have had at least $500 in gross sales of agricultural or horticultural products in the prior year to be eligible for the tax exemption.
“Rep. Vanna Howard (D-Lowell) and I filed this bill together to support small-scale urban agriculture, which expands access to healthy food and promotes economic growth in cities,” said co-sponsor Rep. Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury). “In addition to these benefits, urban agriculture also improves environmental health and makes local food systems more resilient. By incentivizing urban agriculture, this bill will help cities obtain the benefits of these operations.”